“Ienzo’s... birthday?” Lauriam blinked at his gummiphone and for once did not brush off his Dandelion’s curious looks.
“I wanted to double check you and the others were coming.”
“Tomorrow. Sorry. I was positive you knew.”
“Time is still a little funky to me.” Lauriam admitted. “Of course we’ll be there.”
“Good. I’ll tell the staff.” Even grinned. “I’ll talk to you later?”
“Yes.” Lauriam smiled back. “Later, Even.”
Lauriam stared at his phone long after it went black. “I still have no idea how this works.” he admitted when Elrena leaned against his arm. “How they made it so small.”
“That’s not the only thing that’s small.”
“You really want to go down that path?” Lauriam questioned with a raised brow. “I have no qualms about telling you all about him.”
“Ugghh, you’re still so gross.” Elrena leaned away. “So, a party?”
“Yes. We probably should get Ienzo something that isn’t self doubt.”
“What does Ienzo like besides books?” Rolund questioned.
“More books.” Myde laughed. “Um, let’s see,” he put a hand on his chin and tilted his head back a little, “Vanilla and cinnamon scented things. He actually has a soft spot for plush animals. Pickaling. He’s not actually that big into sweets. Which is kinda surprising considering Even’s sweet tooth... Most of our time together was over meals and he was usually reading.” his hand moved from his chin to the side of his head, rubbing it awkwardly. “Maybe I don’t know him as well as I thought...”
“No. There’s not much to know.” Lauriam sighed. “Even’s like that as well. I have /no idea/ what he is getting him. Being around the other Apprentices didn’t give him much time to be himself. To figure out what himself is.” He stared at his left hand, curling it. “And considering how I’ve been pushing him with the Keyblade...”
“I say we get him a bath set.” Elrena intoned.
“Is that a jab or-?” Lauriam tilted his head at her.
“Who doesn’t like relaxing? That and Ienzo’s so wound tight.” Elrena shrugged. “Some bath salts and what have you would do him good.”
“That’s... thoughtful.” Lauriam stared at her. “Let’s call it a day. We’ll meet back here later.”
“Seriously, Lauriam. You /know/ me. I expect them to think stuff like that, but come on.” Elrena huffed and crossed arms over her chest. “Good luck figuring out your own gift.”
“I’m sorry. It’s still all a bit fuzzy... Before the war. After the war. You. The castle. Oblivion. It’s hard to keep in order.”
“Right,” Elrena frowned. He had an extra life on them. He had mentioned it before. But she could never fully understand. “I’ll see you nerds later.” She moved her Keyblade with that, casting open a portal.
“So, mission find the prince a gift is a go?” Myde asked as he stretched his arms above his head. “That shouldn’t be too, too bad.”
“You literally just complained about not knowing what to get.” Rolund reminded.
“No. I complained about not knowing Ienzo better. But I know him the best!” Myde grinned at him. “I have the perfect plan. Bye~”
Rolund waved him off and then focused on Lauriam. “You’re worried.”
“Yes.” Lauriam agreed. “He could have messaged me. I’m going go see him.”
“Are matters going better?”
“We’ve talked. We’ve talked a lot. Neither of us can undo the past, but it is challenging not to think about.”
“One of these days you need to clue Myde and me into what happened at Oblivion. Elrena just makes faces.”
“I know a report was made.” Lauriam shook his head. “I did what I had to do. We all did. Vexen and Larxene paid for my failures. Lexaeus and Zexion... They didn’t need to be there. That’s the truth. I risked everything to get /here/. Sora... Sora only ever did what he was told. Taught. He could not have known better.”
“Most people would hate their murderer, but with Sora...” Rolund shrugged. “Do you want me to come with?”
“No. He’s probably feeling lonely. I’ll kiss him better and be on my way.”
“If you say so.” Rolund nodded and opened his portal. “I’ll see you later then.”